There is a reason Gibson has been installing 490/498 pickups in the Les Paul Custom since the early 90's. To me the 490 and 498 pickups are the most underrated pickups Gibson makes. They are my second favorite pickups next to the 57 Classic's.
Listening to the output is half the story. I much prefer the "feel to noise" of the the 49's. They seem to respond to my fingers with less effort and deliver a more consistent tone level.
490R/498Ts sound a bit brighter, a bit more bite, but a bit less volume. Burstbuckers remind me of Dirty Fingers, creamy, thicker, darker, more boomy. DEF prefer the 490R/498T. I have at least 4 guitars with them … 2 LPs, a LPDC and a V. LOVE the way they sound!
God I love the 490r and 498t set. They are just so perfect for bluesy classic rock. They have a real pro tone about them. I always think Les Pauls sound far better with Gibson pickups. Been through many many pickups big names and booteek and always always ALWAYS come back to this set. They are the best period.
BBs have a stronger midrange and high-end clarity, in my opinion. The 498t and 490r don't sound bad, by any means. I just prefer the clarity of the BBs.
@@MrJabinho Fair point! BB Pros can be a bit bright at times. For me personally, I find that if I roll the tone knob back a hair, that takes care of it for me. I like having the brightness readily available for when I want it, but I can also easily dial it back if I want. Of course, if you never want the brighter tone, then the 498t/490r would definitely make more sense. What style/genre do you mostly play?
BB Pros for me, but honestly I'd be pleased with either set. And I'm pretty sure that no audience could tell the difference in a band setting. Nice job on the demo
normally I prefer the 490 pickups but in this demo the burst bucker pro sound so much more juicy! glad I got both to figure out what works best for my les Paul. thanks for the demo video and I also enjoyed the country stuff you did. thanks again!
Fantastic video and great playing. Guitar straight to amp and nice clear riffs really highlighted the differences. Wish other demos were this well made and played.
Excellent comparison! I have the 490R and 498T, but now I'm thinking about picking up a modern! The BurstBuckers let you here each individual note so clearly.
Thanks Paul Keefe! The Burstbucker Pros do have a bit more clarity. Definitely worth trying if that's what you're looking for. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Good video. Gibson and the other big guitar companies should be doing side by side pickup demos to clearly differentiate their many models. I'd go with the Burstbucker Pros.
Thanks bills48321! Yeah, I don't know of many side-by-side comparisons except for what people make on their own for TH-cam. Gibson does have this post on their website that might be helpful: www.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/tone-hunting-0309-2011.aspx (I don't think the audio players show on mobile browser) I know Sweetwater.com (and probably elsewhere) have audio samples for Seymour Duncan pickups. One example: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SH6bBlk (I don't think the audio players show on mobile browser) If they made it easy to compare pickups, then people would probably have a better idea of what they want and they wouldn't sell as many. lol
Thinking the amp played a pretty large role in the muddier tone, mainly on the crunch tones. Playing the BB Pros on a Peavey 6505, you don't get as much breakup on the lower end. To me that's what makes engineering a tone so tricky!
I own a Les Paul with each set of these pickups and I admit each set of pickups has it's unique nuances but honestly each one sounds great. Listening to this comparison is seems to me the 490's are a little more superior for the country or rhythm style player while the BB's have a better tone for a blues or lead style player. To me they're each a great sound and it comes down to personal preference, like anything else.
Just came across this video, 5 years later... Great playing and very consistent between takes which is absolutely required for this type of comparison. Burstbuckers for me!
Thank you! I'm a big fan of the Burstbucker Pros. Still have them in that same guitar....5 years later. Ha ha! Are you considering getting a set of them?
@@DadRockAndGuitars Yes I am. I was considering some boutique PAFs for a while, like the ThroBak Vintage Repro PAF, but they are so expensive. I am not that obsessed with reproducing the original design, especially that there were a lot of inconsistencies between pickups in the 50s-60s. Your comparison made me realize that a great warm sound does not need to cost an arm and a leg. Thanks again!
Excellent review! When I was looking to purchase my first Les Paul I tested a bunch of different models with all different pickups. For me it came down to the same two sets you tested. Overall I like the BB Pro the best. A little cleaner, but yet a little fatter with a slight attitude. Which is classic Les Paul tones, but with a little extra. A couple years later someone sold me a LP Faded with the 498/490 set for $300. I played it for a couple months and sold it because I still liked the BB Pro tones better. That's just my choice though.
I had an Epiphone Les Paul with BB Pros in it and sold it (and another guitar) so I could get the Gibson. The Gibson Studio came with 490R/498Ts and I just felt like it was missing something sonically. I'd gotten really used to the BB Pros. The 490R/498T combo isn't a bad one (many people in the comments like them better), just a personal preference. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Finally a video with expressive playing that really brings out the voice of the pickup, this is what I'm interested in when looking into pickups. You called your playing mediocre, but you sounded good, and I was impressed with your consistency.
Thanks for the video. The 498T is an upgrade pickup according to bumf from Gibson and the web - over wound, fully wax potted and about $120 (per pup) to buy separately. It's targeted at rock players and when set with the 490 at the neck it gives an immediate boost for lead solos without necessarily having to wind up the volume (or use a foot switch). Incidentally, the basic Burstbucker is an old, lower powered pickup despite the name. The Burstbucker Pro a later upgrade. 57's are another good Gibson hum-bucker I have in an SG - a hark back to the late 50's / 60's PAF sound which I believe was a little crisper - still hum cancelling and more bite than a single coil though. Through a Wah, Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Marshall 40w valve amp cranked up they sound stratospheric (think Gary Moore) especially if you like the 60's British Blues vibe.
490's for me as they're more polite sounding, the Burstbuckers have more edge or hair which is also great just a matter of what you want. Gibson covered it pretty darn good with these pickups. Great video thanks.
EXCELLENT comparison video, easily one of the best (if not THE best) that I've seen. I liked both sets of pups, but my ears prefer the brighter sound of the BB Pros. When set to coil split and played clean, they actually sound close to the single-coil pups of a Fender Strat. My 2016 LP Studio Faded T has the BB Pros and I absolutely love their clean sound. I kinda liked the crunchy sound of the 490R & 498T in your video though, which is good, because I ordered a used Gibson LP Studio Nitrous (in Vibrant Red!) that has those pups. I ordered it without seeing or playing it because I had to order it from a Guitar Center store halfway across the country lol. So after watching your video, I'm confident that I'll love that LP with the 490R/498T pups as much as I love my LP with the BB Pros. Thanks for the video, and great playing too BTW!
+martinafan64 wow, thank you for the compliment! I think they both sound great. They are just different and I can only have one right now, so I had to decide. Also, I think the split coil sounds pretty "Stratty" as well. Being lefty, I always have to order my guitars sight-unseen, so I know how that goes. I've had pretty good luck with it though. Glad you find this helpful and congrats on the new LP!
THANK YOU for playing the same riffs for each setting and playing them all back to back! It really helps so much to really hear the differences. So many reviewers seem to play a different riff for each setting or pickup, and then give their thoughts in between, so it's hard to get a true side by side comparison.
@@chansomanmusic PB is medium output while 498 is high gain.. The first comment make all sense and if you play metal you will desire more output to push the amp.
agreed. both have unique voicing, but both sound great. BB's are more bright and clear, 490/498's have that classic LP sound. excellent job and awesome playing!
I prefer the 498T in the bridge. It seemed to have a warmer, more rounded tone whereas the Burstbucker sounded louder, thinner, and more shrill. In the neck I preferred the Burstbucker over the 490R. The 490R was way too meek sounding. The Burstbucker was much bolder. So I guess the ideal set up for me would be Burstbucker in the neck and 498T in the bridge.
I agree. I'd have to go with the same setup. 490 didn't have the ass in the neck. Great comparisons though. Course I'm a little more crunchy on up to high gain
Ditto. Although, I did prefer the BB Bridge Split Mode better. The BB neck was far superior, IMHO! BTW- I thought the playing was perfect for the demo! One of the best side-by-sides EVER!
I prefer 498T over the bridge, thicker low-end, hotter. The neck pups are a tossup. Both sound great, but just tonally different. Well, that's what I was about to end it on, but after hearing the more OD section, both bridge pups sound equally great, just different. I can see different uses for both. No overall preference for either set.
Perfect comparison. I have the Studio with the 490 and 498 and a Standard with BB Pros. Prefer the Pros myself. But let's be honest....any Les Paul is fun to play.
I really like the punch of the 490's. The BB's too bright for me. Probably Good for studio setting. Anyway that's why we have the telecaster. Nice video.
BB sound "spankier" to my ears. Nice sound if that's your thing. The 498 & 490 sounds more "vintage" LP to me. Thanks for the comparison. I'd stick to my stock pickups on my 93 Les Paul Standard.
Really helpful comparison. I prefer the 498T. I play rock. But the Burstbucker sounds like it's better for country. Btw, you're not a bad player at all.
I love Gibson pickups. I have most of them. The only guitar I switched out from stock was my LP that came with 57’s and people seem to love those. Weren’t hot enough for me. I’d go with the 490s here, but I like the BBs too.
It seems like the burstbuckers have a bit more of that country twang. The 490/498's seem a bit more straight rock. ..and that's through a one quarter inch cell phone speaker. :)
Ha ha! Yeah, the Burstbuckers can get a bit twangy if you want them to be (which what I was testing here). They won't ever quite be a Telecaster obviously, but can work for my purposes. They can do the rock thing pretty well too, but the 490/498s have a bit more low mid frequencies that give them a bit more "umf".
The higher pitched Burstbuckers is exactly why Gibson matched them to the Semi Hollow 339 back in 2010-2016. Too bad they have switched from BB as they could really sound that bell in a 339. I cant really say at this time what the difference is between a BB 1-2 and the BB Pro but the 2016 ES 339 had the BB 1-2s. Have a listen to one of the best TH-cam videos ever made on a Gibson Guitar. th-cam.com/video/de-yA2v4A3w/w-d-xo.html
Am I the only one that use both? I prefer and use the 490r in the neck position and the BB pro bridge (cover removed) in the bridge position in my LP...I think they work perfectly togheter. Great video!
It sounds to me like the burstbuckers are a lot brighter, but I'm glad I watched this video, because I was debating, but now I will definitely be going with the 498t/ 490r set up, thank you!
It would be interesting to know which you chose. I was expecting to like the Burstbuckers more but in this demo I preferred the 498T and 490R set. Thanks
Hey Mark, I ended up going with the Burstbuckers. I did several other personal tests as well and they work better for what I'm currently doing. With all the options on the Tweaker 15, I'm able to get the Burstbuckers to sound pretty close to the 490s, but not as much the other way around.
StereoLaunch Thanks for replying. I think that's really useful to know as you can hear them in the room as opposed to how they sound recorded and on TH-cam.
MY GUITARS( gigs) gibson 2013 LPJ 490r/498t ,epiphone les paul 2011 bonamassa goldtop burst buckers 2/3 i like my 490s better than any othe pickups (nailbombs close but...)my burstbuckers give me sweet and sour (amp turned up) so after trying many pickup combinations the best i have found for all around , funk, rocabilly, punk, country, rock, reggae,twang,blues,ska is my 490r/498t combination , i sometimes put a nail bomb in place of the 498t or place a emg81 for a metal vibe experiment it works on some styles of music.......play on stereoLaunch
After owning Gibsons, fenders and many cheap guitars, the real difference between these two good pickups, is like 2-3% because you can EQ your amp and get your desired tone, adjusting one pot on the amp makes waaaaaay more difference than changing the pickups IMO
I play mostly hard rock, the 490/498 has always been my favorite Gibson pickup set, but I just got the new LP Studio with the Burstbucker Pros and I'm really liking these more. They hold up better with high gain.
Very cool! I also like the BB Pros for high gain stuff. Occasionally, mine will sound a bit "spikey" in the high mids. Depends on the amp, etc. But I find that if I roll the volume back very slightly it goes away. Congrats on the new LP Studio 👍
Here is another vote for the 498T actually I love the 490r as well. Warm not muddy at all. The most versatile as well-High gain to country twang they do it all. They do get a bad rap as muddy sometimes but I think that's a result of Gibson wiring them with 300k pots on some guitars (sg's and lp specials). Throw some 500k pots with these and they scream.
@@gobinstruments4597 just lower the volume. I use 490/498 and if I want to clean them, I just lower the volume and can get the cleanness that many guitarists need.
Soooo good; thanks heaps. Was looking for a Studio with 490's, but have widened the search to include BurstBuckers... in fact, that's now my preference. Thanks again!
Thank you Mike Sadler! One thing to keep in mind is that if you find a good Studio with 490's, it's likely you can do a straight swap on pickups. I ended up selling my 490's for the same as the cost of the BBs. Good luck with your search for a Studio! I love mine.
Hey S/L thanks man! Great video! I’m actually looking at B.B. right now and this helped to confirm my suspicions all along. Good stuff bud, thank you!!
Great Demo 👏I like both sets, can't go wrong with either , BB's seem to have a little note definition clean, both sets were pretty similar in crunch time , and once you get really dirty with a pedal it doesn't matter
Agreed, the BB Pros definitely have a bit more note definition on the cleaner stuff. Gain tends to even things out a bit 😅 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
This is definitely the best demo of each set of pickups! Your chops are awesome too! As far as differences in the sets…well they’re really close. I feel like the 490’s are a bit warmer. The Burstbuckers feel a bit warmer to me. In a mix, they’re so close that I don’t think anyone will notice the differences in their slight tonality shifts. I am really impressed with the clean split coil tones from both sets!
BB PROS sounded a lot brighter on all settings but I really liked the 490s tone I have burst bucker pros on my les paul but it’s all subjective I guess . Happy playing everyone 👍🏻🏴
Thank you for the compliment! I really try to make my comparison videos as consistent as possible. It’s good to know it’s appreciated. Thanks for subscribing too!
The BB's do have a bright clear sound but it's almost thin sounding. The 490/498 have an unmistakable fatt sound that is simply cool sounding and you can literally just turn the treble up. That 490 tho wow, it's frikkin' niiiice!
Wow, that's like that's the first time I've heard come right out and say it. I think it's a good solid pup and not muddy, etc. I got a few of them. Never had the desire to swap. Cheers ! Glad someone said it.
Bought a pair of 490T & 498R did not know how they sounded. But in my ears they sound sweet. I bought a Epiphone LP Standard and i am gonna upgrade it with these.
Awesome! I had an old Epiphone LP with the old really dull and lifeless pickups (I think the current ProBuckers are a lot better) and changed them out with the Burstbucker Pros and it was night and day difference. Once you swap them out, let us know what you think!
This sounds like country to me even with a Les Paul 👍, i just traded my Classic Vibe Tele for a Korean Epiphone Les Paul Standard with Gibson pick ups which a Gibson collector said its what used to be the 498 but now they are just labeled "Gibson USA".
If you often do sing along with a singer/vocalist, go with BB. It's on the happy-snappy audio frequency, perfect for the purpose. If there isn't or rarely, go with the 490s. The sound is heavier and punchier. Very great video mate! Kudos.
I generally prefer the clarity of the BB Pros and find that they usually sit well in a mix, but I have run into an amp/setting every now and then that they are a bit bright. I've considered getting another Les Paul with different pickups for those situations and just have a different flavor, but haven't yet. Thanks for watching and commenting fedboy21!
I've played your video three times. 1) through my very small ThinkPad built-in speaker; 2) through good quality AudioTechnica 'phones, then 3), through the ThinkPad speaker again to confirm. I liked the 490's having more-midrange through the ThinkPad speaker - the BBs sounded mid-scooped and thin ..lacking musicality. It was not until I heard the BBs through the Audio-technica 'phones that I liked the BB's at all. Only then could I hear the 'musicality' of the BBs through the higher quality 'phones ..and they definitely suit the 'country vibe', so I understand why you like them. However, the 490's sounded 'musical' through either system. But here is the rub.. I heard Elton John once say that 'only after his recording mixes passed this 'beat box' test (cheap low -quality reproduction)', would he be happy to sign-off the recording. For me the mid-scooped BBs don't pass that test whereas the 490's sounded 'musical' on a ThinkPad 'beat box' speaker or with high quality 'phones. In the end, I bought a hybrid combo comprising a Gibson 490R/57 (two-wire) for the neck combined with a '57 plus' (two wire) in the bridge position to replace the uninspiring ' silvery-feebleness' of the humbuckers which are std on an otherwise well-built and very-playable Yamaha SA1100 semi-acoustic - the new 57's on the Yamaha semi-acoustic emphasises that mid-range musicality with a bell-like tone that sounds good on both high and low-quality reproduction systems. BTW - I really like your playing and your 'scientific' approach. You very clearly helped me decide not to go with the BBs ...not that they are bad - just that I was looking for more midrange and less mid-scoop for the Yamaha semi. Best wishes and keep the comparisons coming ..you have a gift!
Wow, the difference is stunning. We might all intuitively know we should listen to things through a quality system to capture nuance but this really emphasizes the point. Through my tablet the BBs were completely unimpressive while the 490/498T had a sparkle that made them stand out. Through a better system the BBs have a fullness I didn't hear before that gives them merit. Thanks for pointing this out.
I kinda kept my eyes shut and relied on my ear. The burstbuckers definately have more grunt. I'd go with those every time. Great comparison video mate.well done.
Tech tip, a slight EQ tweak or height adjustment on the pickup will likey get you where you need to get. Find a pickup that you like and tweak the amp to your taste. Don't let the tone controls get dusty either. I find the 490t sweet spot is tone at like 9
Good tips 👍 Yeah the EQ on the amp is there to be used. Can be surprising how many tones you can get by changing the EQ. Pickup height is also a great way to dial the pickups in. Thanks for watching 👍
I like the 498T. it's hotter and has a punch above the others. For this tune anyway. Also, very nice playing my friend and certainly enjoyed the Video, Thanks.
Absolutely a GREAT video. Best side by side of almost anything gear related that I've seen. Exactly what I needed to make my decision. I know a lot of time and effort must have gone into making this vid. Thanks SO much!!!
My LP burst bucker in the neck is incredibly dark and muddy. I want it to brighten up 30% the bridge is F'ing perfect. I would say yours in this demo is about 50% brighter than mine. I am out of town for work but when I get home adjustments will be made toi see what I can get the neck to do. Im usually a neck preference player but my new LP it is just way too dark. There is very little definition toi notes with it.
Yeah, I don't like a super dark and muddy neck pickup either. I'm mostly a bridge player, but use the neck every now and then if it's not too muddy. Hopefully adjusting the height of it will help. Let me know when you get a chance to try adjusting it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
BB'S hands down. No wonder most players prefer BB's or the Classic 57's. One of my guitars may get the BB's, Already have the 57's. Over wound pu's loose the range and clarity. Great video, awesome playing. Sound quality is excellent. Professionally done.
super good work. That's exactly what i call a test espacially in clean mode which is so rare neverthless so important. I congrat you for the extreme regularity of your play. Thank you.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
Free guide: 5 Ways to Record Loud Guitars at Home (without upsetting the neighbors or waking the kids) www.stereolaunch.com/loudguitars
I don't see how this can be a fair comparison. Baseball cap on for both please.
Ha! I'll make sure I keep it more fair in the next video! :-) Thanks for watching Edward McLaughlin!
Lmao! I can actually see an "audiophile" saying that!
I just asked him to play them right handed. I mean come on.
hahaha
Burstbuckers have a more dynamic range
There is a reason Gibson has been installing 490/498 pickups in the Les Paul Custom since the early 90's. To me the 490 and 498 pickups are the most underrated pickups Gibson makes. They are my second favorite pickups next to the 57 Classic's.
They certainly seem to be a popular choice in the comments on this video. Thanks for watching and commenting lespaul1648!
I agree 100%, I love my Gibson with the 490/498 combo
Listening to the output is half the story. I much prefer the "feel to noise" of the the 49's. They seem to respond to my fingers with less effort and deliver a more consistent tone level.
@@Zoso981 I also love them in my 2013 Alpine White studio. Every time I think I need to try something else I change my mind after playing.
490R/498Ts sound a bit brighter, a bit more bite, but a bit less volume. Burstbuckers remind me of Dirty Fingers, creamy, thicker, darker, more boomy. DEF prefer the 490R/498T. I have at least 4 guitars with them … 2 LPs, a LPDC and a V. LOVE the way they sound!
Nice to hear a comparison that is not over saturated.
Thanks Mike!
Amen!!!
God I love the 490r and 498t set. They are just so perfect for bluesy classic rock. They have a real pro tone about them. I always think Les Pauls sound far better with Gibson pickups. Been through many many pickups big names and booteek and always always ALWAYS come back to this set. They are the best period.
Both sets were Gibson pickup’s. They make burst buckers as well
BBs have a stronger midrange and high-end clarity, in my opinion. The 498t and 490r don't sound bad, by any means. I just prefer the clarity of the BBs.
+Joe Mama That's pretty much my opinion as well. Thanks for watching!
I think the bb’s have a little more volume than the 490’s
But as far as clarity, identical, in my ears anyway.
@@DadRockAndGuitars In my opinion BB's are just a bit too bright. 498t and 490r combo is more balanced sound.
@@MrJabinho Fair point! BB Pros can be a bit bright at times. For me personally, I find that if I roll the tone knob back a hair, that takes care of it for me. I like having the brightness readily available for when I want it, but I can also easily dial it back if I want.
Of course, if you never want the brighter tone, then the 498t/490r would definitely make more sense.
What style/genre do you mostly play?
BB Pros for me, but honestly I'd be pleased with either set. And I'm pretty sure that no audience could tell the difference in a band setting. Nice job on the demo
There's nothing wrong with your playing, sounds great! Excellent video, thanks.
Thank you so much. Just purchased a Gibson, will get it next week. That definitely answered my questions. I'll keep the
490R-498T pickups on.
Glad this video helped you out! Enjoy that new Les Paul!
normally I prefer the 490 pickups but in this demo the burst bucker pro sound so much more juicy! glad I got both to figure out what works best for my les Paul. thanks for the demo video and I also enjoyed the country stuff you did.
thanks again!
Awesome video my friend. A lot of effort went into this...... very helpful comparison.
Thank you Perth Guitar! Glad you found it helpful.
Fantastic video and great playing. Guitar straight to amp and nice clear riffs really highlighted the differences. Wish other demos were this well made and played.
Excellent comparison! I have the 490R and 498T, but now I'm thinking about picking up a modern! The BurstBuckers let you here each individual note so clearly.
Thanks Paul Keefe! The Burstbucker Pros do have a bit more clarity. Definitely worth trying if that's what you're looking for. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I’ve always been a fan of the 498T/490R. My Gibson’s have them
I've had both and I prefer the BB's because you can adjust tone and get close to the 490 sound but I didn't have as much luck trying the opposite.
+mang313 that's pretty much why I decided to go with the BBs as well. More flexibility. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yup! You can darken a bright pup but ya can’t make a dark pickup shiny and bright, or else it’s time to get out the 10 band EQ....
Good video. Gibson and the other big guitar companies should be doing side by side pickup demos to clearly differentiate their many models. I'd go with the Burstbucker Pros.
Thanks bills48321! Yeah, I don't know of many side-by-side comparisons except for what people make on their own for TH-cam.
Gibson does have this post on their website that might be helpful: www.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/tone-hunting-0309-2011.aspx
(I don't think the audio players show on mobile browser)
I know Sweetwater.com (and probably elsewhere) have audio samples for Seymour Duncan pickups. One example: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SH6bBlk
(I don't think the audio players show on mobile browser)
If they made it easy to compare pickups, then people would probably have a better idea of what they want and they wouldn't sell as many. lol
Thanks for the article link.
I prefer the 498t for rock and metal myself
I find putting burst buckers on a LP makes it sound like what a Telecaster would sound like if Gibson made it.
Ditto
You’re a better guitarist than you give yourself credit for!
I agree. This is a very good video.
I liked the BB Pro . The lows and highs sounded more even and the lows were less muddy . Good video!!
Thinking the amp played a pretty large role in the muddier tone, mainly on the crunch tones. Playing the BB Pros on a Peavey 6505, you don't get as much breakup on the lower end. To me that's what makes engineering a tone so tricky!
I own a Les Paul with each set of these pickups and I admit each set of pickups has it's unique nuances but honestly each one sounds great. Listening to this comparison is seems to me the 490's are a little more superior for the country or rhythm style player while the BB's have a better tone for a blues or lead style player. To me they're each a great sound and it comes down to personal preference, like anything else.
Yup, there’s no absolute best. It’s all about what gets you the sound that your looking for. Thanks for watching and commenting Dale!
Just came across this video, 5 years later... Great playing and very consistent between takes which is absolutely required for this type of comparison. Burstbuckers for me!
Thank you! I'm a big fan of the Burstbucker Pros. Still have them in that same guitar....5 years later. Ha ha! Are you considering getting a set of them?
@@DadRockAndGuitars Yes I am. I was considering some boutique PAFs for a while, like the ThroBak Vintage Repro PAF, but they are so expensive. I am not that obsessed with reproducing the original design, especially that there were a lot of inconsistencies between pickups in the 50s-60s. Your comparison made me realize that a great warm sound does not need to cost an arm and a leg. Thanks again!
I’ve had both- the BB pros are vastly superior! Nice vid - thanks for making this!
Thanks for watching and commenting Geargasms!
I wish you'd try right handed , so we'd know how'd it would sound for the rest of us
Now you know how us lefties feel! 😂 Thanks for watching and commenting!
Lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best comment ive heard in years🤘🤘🤘
He could at least mirror the video :)
@@Bob.Silverstein hahahahahahahaha
Excellent review! When I was looking to purchase my first Les Paul I tested a bunch of different models with all different pickups. For me it came down to the same two sets you tested. Overall I like the BB Pro the best. A little cleaner, but yet a little fatter with a slight attitude. Which is classic Les Paul tones, but with a little extra. A couple years later someone sold me a LP Faded with the 498/490 set for $300. I played it for a couple months and sold it because I still liked the BB Pro tones better. That's just my choice though.
I had an Epiphone Les Paul with BB Pros in it and sold it (and another guitar) so I could get the Gibson. The Gibson Studio came with 490R/498Ts and I just felt like it was missing something sonically. I'd gotten really used to the BB Pros. The 490R/498T combo isn't a bad one (many people in the comments like them better), just a personal preference. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Finally a video with expressive playing that really brings out the voice of the pickup, this is what I'm interested in when looking into pickups. You called your playing mediocre, but you sounded good, and I was impressed with your consistency.
Thank you peleproductions - I'm glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for the video. The 498T is an upgrade pickup according to bumf from Gibson and the web - over wound, fully wax potted and about $120 (per pup) to buy separately. It's targeted at rock players and when set with the 490 at the neck it gives an immediate boost for lead solos without necessarily having to wind up the volume (or use a foot switch). Incidentally, the basic Burstbucker is an old, lower powered pickup despite the name. The Burstbucker Pro a later upgrade. 57's are another good Gibson hum-bucker I have in an SG - a hark back to the late 50's / 60's PAF sound which I believe was a little crisper - still hum cancelling and more bite than a single coil though. Through a Wah, Ibanez Tube Screamer and a Marshall 40w valve amp cranked up they sound stratospheric (think Gary Moore) especially if you like the 60's British Blues vibe.
490's for me as they're more polite sounding, the Burstbuckers have more edge or hair which is also great just a matter of what you want. Gibson covered it pretty darn good with these pickups.
Great video thanks.
Thanks for watching and sharing which pickups you prefer! 👍
imho , 498T on the bridge and burstbucker pro on the neck were the best sounding! thank you for the demo...
EXCELLENT comparison video, easily one of the best (if not THE best) that I've seen. I liked both sets of pups, but my ears prefer the brighter sound of the BB Pros. When set to coil split and played clean, they actually sound close to the single-coil pups of a Fender Strat. My 2016 LP Studio Faded T has the BB Pros and I absolutely love their clean sound. I kinda liked the crunchy sound of the 490R & 498T in your video though, which is good, because I ordered a used Gibson LP Studio Nitrous (in Vibrant Red!) that has those pups. I ordered it without seeing or playing it because I had to order it from a Guitar Center store halfway across the country lol. So after watching your video, I'm confident that I'll love that LP with the 490R/498T pups as much as I love my LP with the BB Pros. Thanks for the video, and great playing too BTW!
+martinafan64 wow, thank you for the compliment! I think they both sound great. They are just different and I can only have one right now, so I had to decide. Also, I think the split coil sounds pretty "Stratty" as well. Being lefty, I always have to order my guitars sight-unseen, so I know how that goes. I've had pretty good luck with it though. Glad you find this helpful and congrats on the new LP!
THANK YOU for playing the same riffs for each setting and playing them all back to back! It really helps so much to really hear the differences. So many reviewers seem to play a different riff for each setting or pickup, and then give their thoughts in between, so it's hard to get a true side by side comparison.
I did it this way for those exact reasons! Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching and letting me know!
@DadRockAndGuitars definitely helpful! Helped me confirm my decision to go with the 490R/498T!
The BB Pro's sound a lot cleaner and articulate to me
If you lower the volume on the 490/498 just a bit, you'll get the same results. And the extra "boost" will help anyone RAWK
I agree with that, but I thought the 490s covered more sonic territory.
@@maraviyoso8473 I agree with this omment.
@@chansomanmusic PB is medium output while 498 is high gain.. The first comment make all sense and if you play metal you will desire more output to push the amp.
@@chansomanmusic chan thats why i stopped using BBpros and got bb2 and a bb3 in my Les Pau l lol
Very nice demo. Both sets of pups have advantages. I like them both (as well as 57 Classics). Thanks for your hard work on this.
agreed. both have unique voicing, but both sound great. BB's are more bright and clear, 490/498's have that classic LP sound. excellent job and awesome playing!
I think the BB pros won it for me! Interesting... There may be a swap in store for my SG in the future
Yea I just did the switch, you won't regret it...it sounds bad ass. I like it alot
I prefer the 498T in the bridge. It seemed to have a warmer, more rounded tone whereas the Burstbucker sounded louder, thinner, and more shrill.
In the neck I preferred the Burstbucker over the 490R. The 490R was way too meek sounding. The Burstbucker was much bolder.
So I guess the ideal set up for me would be Burstbucker in the neck and 498T in the bridge.
Its definetly not warm, it has alnico 2, bb pro alnico 5, the magnet is stronger, also warmer on alnico 5
I agree. I'd have to go with the same setup. 490 didn't have the ass in the neck. Great comparisons though. Course I'm a little more crunchy on up to high gain
The neck 490R height could be raised.
My choice would be the 498T and the Burstbucker neck pick-up.
This was my take away as well.
Ditto. Although, I did prefer the BB Bridge Split Mode better. The BB neck was far superior, IMHO! BTW- I thought the playing was perfect for the demo! One of the best side-by-sides EVER!
Clean - I like the 498T/490R
Overdrive - I like the Burstbuckers.
This was a great demo. You did a nice job comparing the pickups. Very detailed.
+Ron Shoud Thanks for watching and commenting!
I prefer 498T over the bridge, thicker low-end, hotter. The neck pups are a tossup. Both sound great, but just tonally different.
Well, that's what I was about to end it on, but after hearing the more OD section, both bridge pups sound equally great, just different. I can see different uses for both. No overall preference for either set.
Perfect comparison. I have the Studio with the 490 and 498 and a Standard with BB Pros. Prefer the Pros myself. But let's be honest....any Les Paul is fun to play.
Ideally, I'd like to have one of each like you do. Thanks for watching and commenting, and I completely agree with your last statement!
490's seem warmer and the Burstbucker brighter.
I agree - that pretty much sums it up. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks for taking the time to do this!
Thanks for watching and commenting Al B. 👍
I really like the punch of the 490's. The BB's too bright for me. Probably Good for studio setting. Anyway that's why we have the telecaster. Nice video.
The 490s are great pickups and definitely do a different thing than the BB Pros. Thanks for watching and commenting Trevor Bannon!
Nice comparison demo. They both sound good. The BB Pros sound cleaner and clearer to me. Good job demoing all the selections.
Bill Wirth I thought it was either two same looking guitars or same guitar and same amp. Can you help me? Thank you for your time.
Great video! I prefer the BB in the neck and I would actually pick the 498T for the bridge. Thanks for the comparison!
Hi Thomas, just read your comment, I was wondering if you actually have the BB neck and 498T installed in a guitar of yours. Thanks
agree, had both sets of pickups at different times, bbp's bridge lack high mids
Excellent job. Very professional. Enjoyed your playing. Appreciate the time you devoted to making this demo.
Thank you! And thanks for watching 👍
BB sound "spankier" to my ears. Nice sound if that's your thing. The 498 & 490 sounds more "vintage" LP to me. Thanks for the comparison. I'd stick to my stock pickups on my 93 Les Paul Standard.
Best comparison youtube i ever saw! He played the same exact riffs. That's the way to do it!
Wow, thank you! Glad you liked it 👍
Mediocre huh ? That playing sounds pretty good to me . Great job .
Thank you for your kind words G17!
Really helpful comparison. I prefer the 498T. I play rock. But the Burstbucker sounds like it's better for country. Btw, you're not a bad player at all.
I agree, the 498T is probably more at home with rock than country. Thanks for watching +Sean Peifer !
Will be a hard choice I like them both. Matt
I love Gibson pickups. I have most of them. The only guitar I switched out from stock was my LP that came with 57’s and people seem to love those. Weren’t hot enough for me. I’d go with the 490s here, but I like the BBs too.
It seems like the burstbuckers have a bit more of that country twang. The 490/498's seem a bit more straight rock. ..and that's through a one quarter inch cell
phone speaker. :)
Ha ha! Yeah, the Burstbuckers can get a bit twangy if you want them to be (which what I was testing here). They won't ever quite be a Telecaster obviously, but can work for my purposes. They can do the rock thing pretty well too, but the 490/498s have a bit more low mid frequencies that give them a bit more "umf".
The higher pitched Burstbuckers is exactly why Gibson matched them to the Semi Hollow 339 back in 2010-2016. Too bad they have switched from BB as they could really sound that bell in a 339. I cant really say at this time what the difference is between a BB 1-2 and the BB Pro but the 2016 ES 339 had the BB 1-2s. Have a listen to one of the best TH-cam videos ever made on a Gibson Guitar. th-cam.com/video/de-yA2v4A3w/w-d-xo.html
Am I the only one that use both? I prefer and use the 490r in the neck position and the BB pro bridge (cover removed) in the bridge position in my LP...I think they work perfectly togheter.
Great video!
+Stefano Tacca I bet that work well - definitely a combination with considering! Thanks!
This how a guitar review should be done! Burstbuckers are more lively to me.
It sounds to me like the burstbuckers are a lot brighter, but I'm glad I watched this video, because I was debating, but now I will definitely be going with the 498t/ 490r set up, thank you!
Glad you found it helpful!
It would be interesting to know which you chose. I was expecting to like the Burstbuckers more but in this demo I preferred the 498T and 490R set. Thanks
Hey Mark, I ended up going with the Burstbuckers. I did several other personal tests as well and they work better for what I'm currently doing. With all the options on the Tweaker 15, I'm able to get the Burstbuckers to sound pretty close to the 490s, but not as much the other way around.
StereoLaunch Thanks for replying. I think that's really useful
to know as you can hear them in the room as opposed to how they sound recorded and on TH-cam.
MY GUITARS( gigs) gibson 2013 LPJ 490r/498t ,epiphone les paul 2011 bonamassa goldtop burst buckers 2/3
i like my 490s better than any othe pickups (nailbombs close but...)my burstbuckers give me sweet and sour (amp turned up) so after trying many pickup combinations the best i have found for all around , funk, rocabilly, punk, country, rock, reggae,twang,blues,ska is my 490r/498t combination , i sometimes put a nail bomb in place of the 498t or place a emg81 for a metal vibe experiment it works on some styles of music.......play on stereoLaunch
BBP's all the way. Love that juicy, sweet sound.
Killer scientific demo, thanks for doing it! 498T / BB neck wins for me! 498T has great clarity and punch, way less mid honk in the bridge.
Thanks Andy!
After owning Gibsons, fenders and many cheap guitars, the real difference between these two good pickups, is like 2-3% because you can EQ your amp and get your desired tone, adjusting one pot on the amp makes waaaaaay more difference than changing the pickups IMO
I play mostly hard rock, the 490/498 has always been my favorite Gibson pickup set, but I just got the new LP Studio with the Burstbucker Pros and I'm really liking these more. They hold up better with high gain.
Very cool! I also like the BB Pros for high gain stuff. Occasionally, mine will sound a bit "spikey" in the high mids. Depends on the amp, etc. But I find that if I roll the volume back very slightly it goes away.
Congrats on the new LP Studio 👍
@DadRockAndGuitars Thanks man. Good video, keep up the good work.
I would choose 490/498 on this. The burstbuckers sounded more thin to me.
✌🏻🎸🤘🏻
thanks for taking the time to do this :) and very good,btw
Thanks Jeff! And thank you for watching and commenting!
Actually, I liked the 498T more. Color me surprised!
The 498T is highly praised as the ultimate pickup from what I hear around the web.. I love it too. My fav of all the demo's shown here.
Here is another vote for the 498T actually I love the 490r as well. Warm not muddy at all. The most versatile as well-High gain to country twang they do it all. They do get a bad rap as muddy sometimes but I think that's a result of Gibson wiring them with 300k pots on some guitars (sg's and lp specials). Throw some 500k pots with these and they scream.
@@gobinstruments4597 just lower the volume. I use 490/498 and if I want to clean them, I just lower the volume and can get the cleanness that many guitarists need.
Soooo good; thanks heaps. Was looking for a Studio with 490's, but have widened the search to include BurstBuckers... in fact, that's now my preference. Thanks again!
Thank you Mike Sadler! One thing to keep in mind is that if you find a good Studio with 490's, it's likely you can do a straight swap on pickups. I ended up selling my 490's for the same as the cost of the BBs. Good luck with your search for a Studio! I love mine.
Choosing between great and awesome. Great playing too!
Hey S/L thanks man! Great video! I’m actually looking at B.B. right now and this helped to confirm my suspicions all along. Good stuff bud, thank you!!
I measured my 498T today and was shocked to discover it to be 14.5 Ohms!
Great Demo 👏I like both sets, can't go wrong with either , BB's seem to have a little note definition clean, both sets were pretty similar in crunch time , and once you get really dirty with a pedal it doesn't matter
Agreed, the BB Pros definitely have a bit more note definition on the cleaner stuff. Gain tends to even things out a bit 😅 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
I preferred the tone without the hat on. ;)
Great video of a Les Paul with lots of clean and cleanish tones. Tough to find. Well done. BB has my vote.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I just purchased a 2017 T les paul with Gibson 490 stock, I am replacing them with Gibson 57's.
Agree. 57's sound better than either IMHO
This is definitely the best demo of each set of pickups! Your chops are awesome too!
As far as differences in the sets…well they’re really close. I feel like the 490’s are a bit warmer. The Burstbuckers feel a bit warmer to me. In a mix, they’re so close that I don’t think anyone will notice the differences in their slight tonality shifts. I am really impressed with the clean split coil tones from both sets!
Thank you Arthur! 👍
Great demo, I'm on the BBs!
Thanks seamanjive!
My Studio has 490R/498T and my LP has Burstbucker Pros. I like both - but the BB sound is just way better for me playing 70s rock.
👍#1st 498T & 490R👍👍👍👍👍👍Gibson's best pickups🤓my #2nd ALNICO Slash😉
BB PROS sounded a lot brighter on all settings but I really liked the 490s tone
I have burst bucker pros on my les paul but it’s all subjective I guess . Happy playing everyone 👍🏻🏴
I heve seen hundreds of "vs." videos. This in top 10 well done. No bullshit very pro. and GREAT playing. :)
Thank you for the compliment! I really try to make my comparison videos as consistent as possible. It’s good to know it’s appreciated. Thanks for subscribing too!
Best comparison video I have ever seen. Great job! Glad I have BBs
Thank you for the kind words Xavier! And thanks for watching and commenting!
burstbucker pros rule
I think so too. Thanks for watching!
Best VS video I have ever seen.. and boy they are many :) thanks a lot well done.
Wow! Thank you very much for the kind words!
👍🇺🇸❤498T & 490R
The BB's do have a bright clear sound but it's almost thin sounding. The 490/498 have an unmistakable fatt sound that is simply cool sounding and you can literally just turn the treble up. That 490 tho wow, it's frikkin' niiiice!
490, best pickup Gibson's made.
haven't watched vid yet, lol.
Wow, that's like that's the first time I've heard come right out and say it. I think it's a good solid pup and not muddy, etc. I got a few of them. Never had the desire to swap. Cheers ! Glad someone said it.
Bought a pair of 490T & 498R did not know how they sounded. But in my ears they sound sweet. I bought a Epiphone LP Standard and i am gonna upgrade it with these.
Awesome! I had an old Epiphone LP with the old really dull and lifeless pickups (I think the current ProBuckers are a lot better) and changed them out with the Burstbucker Pros and it was night and day difference. Once you swap them out, let us know what you think!
@@DadRockAndGuitars oke i will. Ik have the 59 LP with Burst buckers and realy love them.
Son, you need a Telecaster...
Ha! I actually got a Classic Vibe Tele not too long after this 😁Thanks for watching and commenting!
Yeah! You're country to the bone!
This sounds like country to me even with a Les Paul 👍, i just traded my Classic Vibe Tele for a Korean Epiphone Les Paul Standard with Gibson pick ups which a Gibson collector said its what used to be the 498 but now they are just labeled "Gibson USA".
No
😂
If you often do sing along with a singer/vocalist, go with BB. It's on the happy-snappy audio frequency, perfect for the purpose.
If there isn't or rarely, go with the 490s.
The sound is heavier and punchier.
Very great video mate!
Kudos.
Never like the BB, its too bright sounding for me....
I generally prefer the clarity of the BB Pros and find that they usually sit well in a mix, but I have run into an amp/setting every now and then that they are a bit bright. I've considered getting another Les Paul with different pickups for those situations and just have a different flavor, but haven't yet. Thanks for watching and commenting fedboy21!
Excellent, straightforward apples to apples comparison.
Well done!
Thank you! And thanks for watching 👍
I've played your video three times. 1) through my very small ThinkPad built-in speaker; 2) through good quality AudioTechnica 'phones, then 3), through the ThinkPad speaker again to confirm.
I liked the 490's having more-midrange through the ThinkPad speaker - the BBs sounded mid-scooped and thin ..lacking musicality. It was not until I heard the BBs through the Audio-technica 'phones that I liked the BB's at all. Only then could I hear the 'musicality' of the BBs through the higher quality 'phones ..and they definitely suit the 'country vibe', so I understand why you like them. However, the 490's sounded 'musical' through either system.
But here is the rub.. I heard Elton John once say that 'only after his recording mixes passed this 'beat box' test (cheap low -quality reproduction)', would he be happy to sign-off the recording. For me the mid-scooped BBs don't pass that test whereas the 490's sounded 'musical' on a ThinkPad 'beat box' speaker or with high quality 'phones.
In the end, I bought a hybrid combo comprising a Gibson 490R/57 (two-wire) for the neck combined with a '57 plus' (two wire) in the bridge position to replace the uninspiring ' silvery-feebleness' of the humbuckers which are std on an otherwise well-built and very-playable Yamaha SA1100 semi-acoustic - the new 57's on the Yamaha semi-acoustic emphasises that mid-range musicality with a bell-like tone that sounds good on both high and low-quality reproduction systems.
BTW - I really like your playing and your 'scientific' approach. You very clearly helped me decide not to go with the BBs ...not that they are bad - just that I was looking for more midrange and less mid-scoop for the Yamaha semi. Best wishes and keep the comparisons coming ..you have a gift!
Wow, the difference is stunning. We might all intuitively know we should listen to things through a quality system to capture nuance but this really emphasizes the point. Through my tablet the BBs were completely unimpressive while the 490/498T had a sparkle that made them stand out. Through a better system the BBs have a fullness I didn't hear before that gives them merit. Thanks for pointing this out.
I’m sure for your style of playing that the Burstbuckers serve your needs better, but I like the 490/498 combo a little better. Good video.
Best comparison video by far . BB’s by far are better . Thanks 🙏🏽
For your particular style of playing the 490R/498T to my ears.
I kinda kept my eyes shut and relied on my ear.
The burstbuckers definately have more grunt. I'd go with those every time. Great comparison video mate.well done.
Tech tip, a slight EQ tweak or height adjustment on the pickup will likey get you where you need to get. Find a pickup that you like and tweak the amp to your taste. Don't let the tone controls get dusty either. I find the 490t sweet spot is tone at like 9
Good tips 👍 Yeah the EQ on the amp is there to be used. Can be surprising how many tones you can get by changing the EQ. Pickup height is also a great way to dial the pickups in. Thanks for watching 👍
I like the 498T. it's hotter and has a punch above the others. For this tune anyway. Also, very nice playing my friend and certainly enjoyed the Video, Thanks.
Absolutely a GREAT video. Best side by side of almost anything gear related that I've seen. Exactly what I needed to make my decision. I know a lot of time and effort must have gone into making this vid. Thanks SO much!!!
Wow, thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting!
My LP burst bucker in the neck is incredibly dark and muddy. I want it to brighten up 30% the bridge is F'ing perfect. I would say yours in this demo is about 50% brighter than mine. I am out of town for work but when I get home adjustments will be made toi see what I can get the neck to do. Im usually a neck preference player but my new LP it is just way too dark. There is very little definition toi notes with it.
Yeah, I don't like a super dark and muddy neck pickup either. I'm mostly a bridge player, but use the neck every now and then if it's not too muddy. Hopefully adjusting the height of it will help. Let me know when you get a chance to try adjusting it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Very nice my friend and exactly what I needed to help me make a decision. Thanks for the hard work you put in and very clean playing.
Awesome - Glad the video helped! Thanks for watching and commenting fullmoonfool!
BB'S hands down. No wonder most players prefer BB's or the Classic 57's. One of my guitars may get the BB's, Already have the 57's. Over wound pu's loose the range and clarity. Great video, awesome playing. Sound quality is excellent. Professionally done.
super good work. That's exactly what i call a test espacially in clean mode which is so rare neverthless so important. I congrat you for the extreme regularity of your play. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words! And thanks for watching and commenting!
@@DadRockAndGuitars you're welcome :-)